The Pakistan Resolution

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

• Initially known as the Lahore Resolution
• Formal political statement adopted by the league
• Called for greater Muslim autonomy, & the grouping of Muslim majority regions of India
• Put forward by Maulvi Fazl-ul-Haq
• Authored by Muhmmad Zafarullah Khan
• Mr. Jinnah presided over the oral session
• Passed on 23rd March 1940

Question 2

Why was it passed?

Answer 2

• The idea of a separate homeland was already presented by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, through his two nation theory
• It was further built upon by Allama Iqbal, & Rahmat Ali
• Initially Jinnah was opposed to the idea, as he preferred for the Muslims to be a part of a federation, where their rights were safeguarded.
• However, after the atrocities faced by the Muslims during the congress rule, it left no reservation within anyone that, a separate homeland was worth fighting for.
• In addition to this, the Hindu attitude at the RTCs, the Nehru report, the foreseeable lack of representation, & the potential exploitation, hit the final nail in the coffin for many Muslims.

Question 3

What was its significance?

Answer 3

• Strengthened the Two Nation Theory
• Ended Muslim Hindu Unity
• Gave the league mass appeal, uniting many under its banner of Independence
• Muslims gathered under Jinnah
• Muslims had an objective to work towards
• People sensed that something historic was about to happen.

Question 4

How did the Congress react?

Answer 4

• Objected the resolution
• The Hindu media over hyped it
• It was called the Pakistan resolution, despite the term never being used
• Widely condemned
• Ghandi called it morally wrong, and labelled it a sin
• Similarly, Abdul Kalam Azad, branded the partition, unethical & unislamic
• Hindus referred to it as the “Vivi Section” of Mother India.